A set of four amendments tabled by the European Parliament's Patriots for Europe (PFE) group to a resolution on work-related fatalities seeks to expand the scope of the text and introduce a link between illegal migration and violence against public service workers. The amendments, published on 19 May 2026, are the only changes proposed to the resolution and are expected to generate division among political groups.
The most contested amendment (15) adds a paragraph singling out "illegal migrants" as a cause of increasing violence against law enforcement, public service, and emergency workers, shifting the focus from general workplace safety to a migration-related security issue. This is likely to face opposition from Greens/EFA, Renew, and The Left, who may view it as prejudicial and unrelated to occupational health and safety.
Broader definition of work-related accidents Amendment 12 expands the definition of work-related accidents to include commuting accidents, including those occurring in employer-provided transport. This substantive change would broaden employer responsibility for incidents outside the direct workplace, potentially raising questions about liability. The change could find broader support across groups, though it may be contested by business-oriented groups concerned about increased costs for SMEs.
Deregulatory and pro-business framing Amendment 14 introduces a deregulatory and pro-business approach, calling for a "balanced approach" that prioritises "partnership and responsibility" over "overregulation" and explicitly links workplace safety to the competitiveness of SMEs. This contrasts with the likely positions of S&D and The Left, who typically advocate for stronger regulatory frameworks and binding employer obligations. The amendment signals a preference for voluntary, market-friendly measures over enforcement-focused policies.
Emphasis on technological solutions Amendment 13 adds a paragraph promoting "affordable and available safety technologies, automation and innovative solutions" such as early-warning mechanisms. While not controversial in itself, it indicates a preference for technological fixes over regulatory or enforcement measures.
Stakeholder impacts The amendments would affect several stakeholders. EU workers would see expanded protection for commuting accidents but potentially weaker enforcement if deregulatory approaches prevail. EU employers, particularly SMEs, could face increased liability for commuting incidents but benefit from reduced regulatory burden and promotion of technology-based solutions. EU law enforcement and emergency workers would be singled out in a migration context, potentially increasing political attention but also polarising debate. EU civil society groups focused on migrant rights would likely oppose the migration link, viewing it as stigmatising.
Institutional follow-up The amendments will be debated and voted on in the European Parliament plenary. The resolution, as amended, would then be adopted or rejected by the full Parliament. No Council or Commission position has been published yet. The outcome will depend on coalition dynamics among political groups, with the migration amendment likely to be the most divisive element.
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